So far, the number of video games for the Xbox One has been limited. And Xbox One sales have lagged behind those of the PlayStation 4. Microsoft used the E3 event to focus more on games than on hardware with promises of more titles to come. The Halo series is especially popular among gamers and could give the Xbox One a much-needed push to lure in more customers.

Gamers can preorder the already best-selling Halo: The Master Chief Collection through Amazon to the tune of $60. The collection is also available for preorder directly through Microsoft as well as through Best Buy and GameStop.

Microsoft is also capitalizing on the Halo name with an upcoming live-action TV show called "Halo Nightfall" that will feature a "pivotal character" who will play a role in Halo 5. And in an attempt to ignite Xbox One sales, the company has unveiled a less expensive and Kinect-less version of the console.

About the author

Journalist, software trainer, and Web developer Lance Whitney writes columns and reviews for CNET, Computer Shopper, Microsoft TechNet, and other technology sites. His first book, "Windows 8 Five Minutes at a Time," was published by Wiley & Sons in November 2012.
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